Ferry Routes to Hamilton Beach
Ferry routes to Hamilton Beach require a short water crossing from neighboring ports. The Sea Bridge Car Ferry is the largest operator in the area, shuttling thousands of international tourists and locals across the Narrows each year. Look at the ferry map above to see the passenger water taxis arriving near the local docks, allowing you to seamlessly connect to Nevis. While you can bring a rental car on the larger vessels, utilizing the island’s local transit is often easier for reaching this specific beachfront resort.
Getting to Hamilton Beach from Bermuda
Showing all 2 services
The Catalina Getaway: Ferry routes to Hamilton Beach
Reaching Hamilton Beach means taking a beautiful boat ride to Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California. The largest ferry operators in the region include Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer. The ferry drops you right in the main city of Avalon. From there, Hamilton Beach is just a short walk or golf cart ride north of the main harbor, located right by the Hamilton Cove community.
| Mainland Port | Travel Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | 1 hour | The most popular and frequent port. Great if you are coming from Los Angeles. |
| San Pedro | 1 hour 15 minutes | Another easy Los Angeles option. This port also offers boats to the quieter Two Harbors side of the island. |
| Dana Point | 1.5 hours | The best choice if you are driving up from San Diego or Orange County. |
Here are 3 tips for getting to Hamilton Beach by ferry:
- 1. Book ahead for summer: The boats to Catalina Island sell out quickly in July and August. Book your ticket weeks in advance, especially for weekend morning departures.
- 2. Upgrade your seat: For a little extra money, you can upgrade to the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express. You get priority boarding, a comfortable quiet room, and a free drink. It makes the ride much more relaxing.
- 3. Rent a golf cart: You cannot bring your car on the ferry. When you arrive in Avalon, rent a golf cart to easily drive your beach bags up the hills to Hamilton Beach.
The ocean channel between the California coast and Catalina Island can get choppy, especially in the late afternoon. If you get seasick easily, try to book a morning ferry when the water is usually much smoother.
“Hamilton Beach is just past the famous round Casino building in Avalon. Most people stay near the busy main pier, but if you take the short trip over to Hamilton, you get crystal clear water and a much quieter snorkeling spot away from the major crowds.”
